You might like some of these REIA's:Black Belt Investors - NorcoSan Fernando Valley Real Estate ClubClub In Action - BurbankCommercial Real Estate Investors MastermindSam's Real Estate ClubBest LA Real Estate and Investment ClubFIBI-PasadenaInvestCLUB LA by InvestCLUB for Women, but men are welcome too. 

I just want to get my first deal under my belt.

Once you get that one or two deals under your belt, you are no longer a "newbie," that doesn't mean you have the experience of someone 10+ years doing it, but if you are relatively successful in your first few deals then it speaks to your ability to "do what you say, and say what you do."

If looking solely for immediate cash flow, you should be considering the areas with higher cap rates (eg, sun belt, mid west etc).

Some good insight - I guess my general question would be on whether or not to invest in the more cashflowing, but older properties to start - or to go the higher end route of getting the nicer homes under my belt that may not cashflow as nice (but because these are newer, nicer homes they would require less maintenance than the older cashflowing homes, and tennant pool would be a little more desirable) - if that makes sense?

I would recommend getting these two years under your belt if you have the grades and resume to be able to get a job with them.

Some lenders simply don't do things that others will and you won't have any idea without a lot of experience under your belt.

I am a newbie with one successful flip under my belt.

My husband leads maintenance with 100s of rehabs under his belt, and our lead maintenance tech is a former home inspector with knowledge in all areas.

Louis (First two deals under the belt!).